Environmentalists are working to remove and stop the spreading of an estimated half an acre of milfoil, an invasive aquatic plant, found in Long Lake earlier this month.
Milfoil has reportedly infested the neighboring Brandy Pond and the Songo River for years, but was found growing in Long Lake, which had been thought to be safe from the plant.
The Lakes Environmental Association is concerned because milfoil grows and spreads very quickly. It can become dense enough to not only hurt aquatic life, but also prevent swimming and boating in areas.
Long Lake is upstream of Sebago Lake, which is not only a popular vacation spot, but is also the primary water supply of the Portland Water District, which provides drinking water to about 15 percent of Maine’s population.
They are conducting the first survey at 8 a.m. Monday.